#5 | John Stones - 2020/21 Performances

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01cravend said:
He looks quicker than he ever has. Outpaced everyone that tried him
He looks more determined than he ever has. throwing himself at the ball and putting himself about physically.
I think he's dropped the "I have to pass the ball out from the back every time as that's how I made my name and what is expected of me" and is now more focused on protecting his goal and if putting the ball in row z is the better option, that's the one he is now taking.
Finally, in recent seasons he'd play single games where he wouldn't back off until oppo got a shot away and you'd think why doesn't he play like that more often as he'd revert to type the next game. Now he's engaging opponents when needed and making them try and earn a shot at our goal. I can't think of a single moment this season he's backed off leading to a shot on our goal.

From being lower in the pecking order than a kid that doesn't want to be here and a 34 year old midfielder to what he's showing now is nothing short of remarkable. If I was a sport psychologist that worked with him I'd be purring.
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I really believe that watching and listening to Dias, who is in his ear constantly, has given him another 10% on top of the improvements he has made through sheer hard work.
 
Didn't really come out at the time, but heard multiple pretty well sourced rumours that City tried to move him on the summer... they probably weren't even wrong to do it either at the time! Quite remarkable turnaround and fair fucks to the lad. Credit has to go to him entirely.
 
twosips said:
Didn't really come out at the time, but heard multiple pretty well sourced rumours that City tried to move him on the summer... they probably weren't even wrong to do it either at the time! Quite remarkable turnaround and fair fucks to the lad. Credit has to go to him entirely.
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Yep. The club wasn't really at fault deciding to let him go.

Fair play to Stones, this is the club he wants to play at, this is the squad he wants to play with, this is the manager he wants to play for. He stayed, fought, and rose to the challenge, immensely.
 
twosips said:
Didn't really come out at the time, but heard multiple pretty well sourced rumours that City tried to move him on the summer... they probably weren't even wrong to do it either at the time! Quite remarkable turnaround and fair fucks to the lad. Credit has to go to him entirely.
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In many ways, Stones’ seemingly obvious departure was the reason we opted for Ake... he’s home grown whilst also provided left sided cover for Laporte. But then Garcia decided to leave (please hurry up with that btw) and that seemed to end the Stones-out push. Everything fell into place for him when Garcia turned his back on us. We needed him to stay after that and boy did he step up!
 
He speaks very well in these post-match interviews. Pep seems to put him forward for them every week.
 
SebastianBlue said:
Just leaving this here.

A pint to the gent that makes a GIF of Stones leaving Pogba for dead.

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I tried again..
4swusd.gif
 
Been sensational. Strong, quick and concentrating so hard to ensure he doesn't make mistakes and is in the right place to make blocks/tackles.
 
The fact that Stones fought to stay with City last summer makes me love him more. He really wants to be a part of our team and I am so happy for the lad. Just watching his face last night after he scored his goal was so great to see. I have to say that I really enjoyed my after match Glenmorangie last night... here's to you John Stones!!!.
 
A welcome resurgence out of nowhere for many including myself.

Fingers crossed he stays injury free.
 
TFC said:
Cant help but think he would be superb in that deep lying midfield role, so comfortable on the ball.
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I used to think that but have never been massively impressed with him there. I think he's at his best passing and bringing it out from the back, with the whole length of the pitch in front of him. There's often a temptation to move ball playing centre halves into midfield when their skill set is aleady perfect being used where it is.
 
twosips said:
Didn't really come out at the time, but heard multiple pretty well sourced rumours that City tried to move him on the summer... they probably weren't even wrong to do it either at the time! Quite remarkable turnaround and fair fucks to the lad. Credit has to go to him entirely.
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Yup, he was being touted out, however, second chances and redemption come in many forms and he deserves all the credit for challenging the decision and showing his desire, something that was drastically missing at times...

I would say though that we are all guilty of ignoring that the mental side of the game is as important as talent... Dias clearly gives him an extra boost and anyone who’s played the game knows that if you can rely on teammates, it sets you at ease...

well done to Stones, we now have the best strength in depth in the CB position, than anywhere in Europe!
 
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